Windstream Closing Jamestown Retail Store

January 28, 2013

Because of the company's online presence, Windstream will be closing its Jamestown retail store Feb. 28.

On Friday, Windstream announced the closing, which company officials said would not affect services the company provides to local residential and business customers. Windstream, which is located at 201 E. Fourth St., is a voice, broadband and digital television provider.

The store's closure is part of the company's restructuring plan for its retail operations as more customers are utilizing alternative methods to make payments, shop for products and speak with representatives, company officials said in a news release.

''As consumers continue to migrate more of their research and shopping behavior to online platforms, Windstream will continue to adjust its approach to accommodate their preferences,'' said David Redmond, Windstream senior vice president of consumer services. ''Windstream remains focused on meeting the needs of our customers in the communities we serve and offers a variety of options for customers to connect with us.''

Scott Morris, Windstream spokesperson, said closing the Jamestown retail store will mean three employees will lose their jobs. However, he said the employees will receive a severance payment and outplacement assistance.

''They can apply within for open positions at Windstream,'' Morris said.

Morris said he doesn't believe Windstream has any other retail store locations in Western New York.

''With folks doing more and more shopping and bill pay online, we encourage people to explore windstream.com," he said "They can pay online and certainly still pay by mail. So really, again, this move is to accommodate a shift in customer behavior.''

Customers can reach a Windstream representative by calling 866-445-3402.